or ‧ a ‧ tory /ˈɒrətri $ ˈɔːrətɔːri, ˈɑː-/ BrE AmE noun ( plural oratories )
[ Sense 1: Date: 1500-1600 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: oratoria , from orare ; ⇨ ↑ oration ]
[ Sense 2: Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Late Latin ; Origin: oratorium , from Latin orare ; ⇨ ↑ oration ]
1 . [uncountable] the skill of making powerful speeches
2 . [countable] a small building or part of a church where people can go to pray
—oratorical /ˌɒrəˈtɒrɪk ə l◂ $ ˌɔːrəˈtɔːr-, ˌɑːrəˈtɑː-/ adjective